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Common Ground News

Why isn't the trackpad on my MacBook Pro working?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on February 26, 2026

Why isn't the trackpad on my MacBook Pro working?

Restart the computer if required. Click on the Apple menu and click "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu. Click on the "Keyboard and Mouse" option and select the "Trackpad" tab to access trackpad settings. Deselect the options under Trackpad Gestures to see if it resolves the problem.

Also to know is, how do I reset my trackpad on my MacBook Pro?

Reset trackpad on MacApple logo in the menu bar and select System Preferences → Trackpad. Within the trackpad settings window, in the Point & Click tab, make sure you have set up all the functions of the trackpad so that they are convenient for you.

Also, how do I fix the erratic trackpad on my MacBook Pro? Try these tips to resolve the issue:

  1. Check your device's power. Make sure your device's batteries aren't low.
  2. Avoid accidental multiple touches on the surface.
  3. Keep touch surface dry and clean.
  4. Remove jewelry.
  5. Check the power adapter you're using with your Mac.
  6. Avoid wireless interference.
  7. Start your Mac in Safe Mode.

Secondly, how do I fix an unresponsive touchpad?

To locate the touchpad in Device Manager, follow the steps below.

  1. Press the Windows Key and type device manager, then press Enter.
  2. Under Your PC, double-click the Mice and other pointing devices entry.
  3. Locate your touchpad and right-click the icon and select Update Driver Software.

How do you fix an unresponsive trackpad on a MacBook Pro?

3.Reset the Mac SMC

  1. Shutdown your MacBook.
  2. Connect the MagSafe adapter.
  3. Hold down Shift+Control+Option and the Power button at the same time.
  4. Release the keys and look to see if the MagSafe adapter briefly changes color. If it does, the SMC reset has worked.
  5. Reboot your Mac and test the trackpad.

How do I reset my trackpad?

Hit Windows+I to open the Settings app. On the main page, click the “Devices” category. On the Devices page, select theTouchpad” category on the left. On the right, scroll down a bit and then click theReset” button under theReset Your Touchpad” section.

How do you fix a frozen trackpad on a MacBook Pro?

Fix Frozen Trackpad and Keyboard when MacBook Wakes from Sleep
  1. Shut down the computer.
  2. Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
  3. On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
  4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.

Why is my trackpad not working Mac?

If the trackpad of your Mac is completely unresponsive, then check if you have connected any other mouse. Just go to the System Preference> Accessibility> Mouse & Trackpad. Here you will see an option 'Ignore built-in trackpad when the mouse or wireless trackpad is present'. Ensure that option is not checked.

How do I change my touchpad settings?

Advanced touchpad features can be found in the Mouse properties in Control Panel.
  1. Go to the Start menu and type "Mouse".
  2. Under the search returns above, select "Change mouse settings".
  3. Select the "Device Settings" tab and click on the "Settings" button.
  4. Touchpad settings can be changed from here.

How do I calibrate my MacBook Pro trackpad?

To access it, click the "Apple" menu in the top-left corner of your MacBook's screen and select "System Preferences" to load the System Preferences panel. Click the "Trackpad" icon to load the Trackpad configuration panel. Here you can view your current trackpad settings.

How do I enable my trackpad on my MacBook Pro?

The best way for most users to enable touch tapping on their Mac is through System Preferences:
  1. Go to the ? Apple menu and open “System Preferences”
  2. Choose “Trackpad” and go to the “Point & Click” tab.
  3. Check the box next to 'Tap to click'

Why does my cursor jump around on my MacBook?

When the mouse causes your cursor to go all over the place, it typically means you are having tracking problems. Select "Apple," then "System Preferences," then "Mouse" from the Hardware section to open the Mouse dialog. Drag the "Tracking" slider with the mouse to change how the cursor moves across the screen.

How much does it cost to replace trackpad on MacBook Pro?

Unibody MacBook Pro trackpads are typically around $45-65, I'd say with labor you'd be looking around $150-$175 tops. Take it into the Genius Bar, they can give you an exact quote, minus the tax, for free. Battery replacement should be $129 +tax based on the info on this Apple support page

How do I activate my touchpad on my laptop?

  1. Press and hold the Windows ( ) key, and then press the q key.
  2. In the search box type Touchpad.
  3. Touch or click Mouse & touchpad settings.
  4. Look for a Touchpad On/Off toggle. When there is a Touchpad On/Off toggle option. Touch or click the Touchpad On/Off toggle, to toggle the touchpad on or off.

Why is my mouse not showing up?

If the mouse is working in Safe Mode, there is likely a driver or software conflict. To fix this problem, follow the steps below. Expand the mouse (mice) option in Device Manager by clicking the + symbol. Remove all mice listed by highlighting each device and then pressing the delete key on the keyboard.

Why my touchpad is not working in laptop HP?

You can go to the Mouse settings in your laptop to enable the Touchpad: Note: The screenshots below are from Windows 10, but the fixes apply to Windows 8 & 7. 5) Select the Touchpad tab (or Hardware tab or Device settings tab), and make sure your Touchpad is enabled. 6) Reboot your laptop and try your Touchpad.

Why is my cursor moving erratically?

An erratic cursor is usually caused by a problem with your mouse rather than your software or operating system. The symptoms typically involve the cursor jumping around when you try to move it, making it difficult to click on the button or link that you are trying to click on.